Abstract

We report results of a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating an aphasia treatment provided over the internet. Thirty-two persons with aphasia were randomized to receive 6 weeks of practice with Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (ORLA) (N=19) or a commercial computer game (N=13). Results indicated significant changes on WAB-R subtests (AQ, reading and writing) with web-based ORLA; changes were maintained for six weeks. There was no significant difference between ORLA versus the placebo computer program. Findings support the feasibility and efficacy of providing ORLA over the internet. Reasons for improvements with the commercial computer program are discussed.